Unique places

We’re all looking for unique places to visit, aren’t we? I know I am. Curiosity encourages us to discover new places and share the experience.

But everywhere is unique is some form or another. This could be because of the food, drink, location, atmosphere or concept. However if you keep looking they’ll always be a place that will make you think hmmm I’ve not heard of a place like that before.

In 2016, I found such a place unique in London. Draughts Cafe is one of London’s first board game cafes. It sounds like such an original idea. From Monopoly to Connect 4 everyone has a board game they loved as a child. Now everyone has an opportunity to play their favourite board game in a relaxing environment with friends.

Where and when?

Now even if you’re not a board game fan the Draughts Cafe is still a place to try. It’s located in Haggerston, very close to trendy Shoreditch. Haggerston station is on the Overground line and is only a few minutes walk to board game heaven! In fact Draughts Cafe is underneath the rail line so just follow the track south.

There are two things for consideration to decide when to go. On weekdays you do not need to book and you can stay for unlimited amount of time. During weekends you must book and your reservation lasts four hours. No matter when you decide to go or for how long it’ll only be £5 each for your board game experience. Sounds like a bargain!!

Board game paradise

So what can you play? Well, the actual question should be what can you not play? There are over 600 board games to choose from. Say what?? That’s right over 600! Literally, you are spoilt for choice. Instead of books, there is a library of board games.

It is first come first serve with the board games. So if you know of one you want to play find it and get it back to your table quick. It can be yours to use for the whole time you are there. The board games are organised by level of difficulty, family, fun and strategic. At your table, you can use a flow chart for a suggested type of board game that you should try.

As a pair or group?

Draughts has a bar, so you can order a variety of drinks. They also have a food menu serving small and big plates plus sharing boards.

There are a variety of tables for two, three and up to eight people. So far I have experienced Draughts as a pair and for three. You can have a good experience with fewer people because there is no restriction on the board games available. I would love to try going with a larger group to experience bigger games.

Playing the game

The hardest board I played at Draughts was Ticket to Ride. Never played it before so it took us over 40 minutes to read the instructions and even then we still didn’t understand it. So that’s a warning for any new game to choose, you have to learn how to play it!

The most enjoyable game I’ve played at Draughts has been 5-second rule, where you have to name 3 things in 5 seconds. Pressure and laughs await. Give it a go!

The atmosphere is fun and relaxing. Everyone is just chilled playing their board game and chatting with friends. That’s what board games are about, bringing people together around a table to interact and have fun.

Take a chance

Draughts opened in 2014 wanting to cater for London’s hungry gamers. I believe that it will continue to grow as word spreads about what a unique place this is. So grab your friends or partner and enjoy playing a board game, with perhaps a cocktail on the side too!